Heel-support.



n. L. MABTYN & 1. M. HENDERSON.

HEEL SUPPORT. APPLICATION FILED M638. 1917.

1,299,983. Patented Apr. 8, 1919.

f w'i 3 flay/d4 Mfg/CW7 J b/7 WK Harare/'80 mum wot @Hozum m: uonms was: en. mumumm, wusnmcrw. a c.

" y UTE@ TAT PAINT DAVID L. MARTYN AND J'OHILI M. HENDERSON, OF WALLA WALLA WASHINGTON.

HEEL-SUPPORT.

Application filed August 28, 1917. Serial No. 188,626.

ington, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Heel-Supports, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the art of chiropody and it is the dominant-objectiof the invention to provide a device for maintaining the roundness of the human heel, throughout life; by maintaining or restoring the natural fleshy formation occurring at the bottom of the heel, and reproducing the necessary cushion or pad between the bone of the heel and the outer-skin, and for correcting other similar malformations caused by the conventional design of foot wear.

The improvement in the details and arrangement of parts will be apparent from an inspection of the accompanying drawings, in connection with the specific description hereinafter contained, and wherein the peferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed, for the purpose of imparting a full understanding of the same.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a top plan of the improved device;

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section therethrough; and

Fig. 3 is a transverse section therethrough.

Having more particular reference to the drawings and in connection with which like reference characters will refer to the corresponding parts throughout the several views, the device may be stated to comprise a metallic shell 1 formed of aluminum or other like material and shaped to conform to the curvature of the human heel.

However, in this connection it is also to be understood that the actual shape or contour of the human heel may be molded, pressed or rigidly attached to the footwear and indeed made a part of their manufacture.

A boot or shoe might have this improved heel support molded into it, by suitable means and made of any suitable material, as for instance, vulcanized rubber might be put into the shoe when solvent and squeezed or pressed into shape. It would then be as L. MARTYN,

- the lower portions prevent much a part of a boot or shoe as the heel on the outside.

Nevertheless they may removed at will and the shell may be formed of leather, papier-mach, rubber, wood-fiber, wood pulp, etc.

Further, when forming the shells of metal they may be either cast or pressed.

The forward portion of the sides of the shell are gradually tapered, while thebottom thereof is curved upward as at 2 to meet the instep of the foot of a human.

To cause the firm seating of the shell within the heel portion of the shoe, transversely and longitudinally disposed webs 3 and 4; are formed upon the outer surface thereof,

of the said webs being rounded convexed to render themselves adjustable.

When the webs are not used they may be made of rubber and the space that the webs occupy might form air pockets and so become pneumatic.

Soft padding 5 or other suitable cushioning material is removably positioned in the bottom of shell 1 and is so arranged as to conform to the shape of the heel when first arranged therein.

As the fleshy formation rebuilds upon the bottom of the heel of a malformed foot, layers or portions of the padding 5 may be removed to accommodate the heel and reduce pressure on the bottom to a minimum.

By continuous wear of the shell, the fleshy formation or pad will be rebuilt upon the bottom of heel, thus, affording a cush-. ioning means between the bone and the outer-skin thereof.

It is of course to be understood, that the shell may be made in different sizes such as preference may dictate; and when molded permanently into boots or shoes, they would be proportioned according to the size of the boot or shoe.

In some cases the curvature or hollow may even be below the ordinary flat surface in conventional foot wear; as here shown the principal object of the invention being to the fleshy formation. from becoming less between the heel bone and the outerskin, this resulting from long and excessive walking or standing.

Although we have hereinbefore stated, that the device may be used for correcting malforn'iations of the human heel, it will be Yate'nted Apr. 8,1919.

also be inserted or understood, asv implied tln'oughout ur specification, that the device may be used as a support for perfectly formed heels, and in this instance, Will prevent the flatteningof the same, thereby retaining the fleshy formation thereunder.

In the manufacture of the heel supports as shown by the drawings they may be drilled or perforated either to, lighten them or for ventilation.

Manifestly, the construction shown isv ca pable of considerable modification and. such modification as is Within the scope of our claims, We consider Within the spirit of our invention.

We claim:-

1s. A device for use in the restoration and maintenance of the fleshy formation common to the natural shape of a human heel, including a retainer curved to correspond; to the natural shape ofthe heel, and a plurality of pads receivable in. superposed relation in said retainer for supporting the heel: of a user whereby to facilitate the. restoration Washington, 1),, 0..

01- the fleshy formation,

said pads being adapted to be removed at diiferent periods during the process of restoration of the fleshy formation whereby to accommodate or the enlargement of the heel and the curvature thereof.

2. A device for use in the restoration and maintenance of the fleshy formation common to the natural shape of a human heel including a retaining means having one portion thereof curved to correspond: to the natural shape of the heel, and means receivable in said retainer for supporting the heel of a user whereby to. facilitate the restoration of the fleshy formation, said means. be: ingadjustable whereby to compensate for the enlargement of the heel and the difference in the curvature thereof during the process. of restoration.

In testimony whereof, We aflix our signatures hereto.

DAVID L. MARTYN. JOHN M. HENDERSON.

. each, by addressing the Commissioner ofi Batents 

